What do you say when the leading man leaves your favorite soap? Ronn Moss and Katherine Kelly Lang have been on and off on CBS' The Bold and the Beautiful for decades. When Ronn Moss, the actor playing Ridge Forrester, abruptly left, we fans felt cheated and heartbroken. Would his character ever return from Paris? Would another actor take on the role? Fans had no clue.
Then just in time for Christmas, dark horse Thorsten Kaye, from ABC's All My Children and NBC's Smash, was announced as the one for Ridge's role. How would this affect the show's chemistry? Would he be believable with Brooke? Just another pretty face simply wouldn't do. He would be starting on Friday the 13 of December.
What we fans didn't realize at the time, was what producer Bradley Bell obviously knew. Chemistry was needed but also someone with great acting chops. The new actor playing Ridge Forrester was introduced in a tantalizing way. We didn't get to see his face. Instead, we saw only his back, feet and legs. Using certain camera angles chosen to highlight their physical similarities, we were teasingly treated to takes of what looked to be a return of 25-year veteran Moss. But in true soap fashion, the final face shot revealed German-British actor Thorsten Kaye.
Thank God, Kaye can act. I really, really like this new Ridge. And I didn't expect to like him. As Brooke said to Ridge this afternoon, "I'm yours!" His warmth, his humanity. I just hope Brooke doesn't lose him to sister Katie! Bradley Bell of Chicago's soap royalty, the Bell-Phillips Television family, is a casting genius. Let's also give the writers their due, among them Chicago's own Kay Alden. Because they're the ones giving Thorsten Kaye those great heart-felt lines.
Now if only Liam would get back with Steffy and leave poor Hope alone! Or is it soap heresy for me to suggest Hope should go back to Oliver from long ago but not too far away and Wyatt should try Alexandria? Only the writers know for sure, but here's hoping.
Wishing cast, crew and fans a happy, healthy, safe and blessed 2014 as we settle in for another soap-filled new year adventure with the Guinness World Record Holder for the most globally watched daytime soap ever!